by Мишель Роуэн
I felt a wave of fear then, but I knew there was no time for that. I wanted to see my father, I wanted to talk to my aunt. Now, before it was too late.
My feet were killing me. Heels were great for sitting in a limo and hanging out at a dance, but obviously not so good for interdimensional travel. I took a minute to take them off and leave them by the front door, preferring to walk around on the cool, smooth floors in bare feet than to continue with my selfinflicted torture.
"Where's Elizabeth?" I asked.
"She's probably in her quarters," Michael said as we began making our way up the stairs. At the top I reached for his hand and he glanced at me with surprise.
"You don't mind?" I asked.
"Of course not."
We walked past the large, cavernous room with the fireplace that I remembered very clearly from last night, and then down a hall, deeper into the castle. Instead of electric lights, there were candles and oil lamps on the walls. The flames flickered in the darkness to light the hallway.
Michael glanced at me. "You're sure you really want to be here?"
"Of course. Why?"
"Because you're practically squeezing my hand off my wrist."
I cleared my throat. "Maybe I'm a little anxious."
His grip increased on my hand as well. "I can take you back. You don't have to be here at all. We can leave."
I shook my head. "I have to talk to my aunt."
Then I froze as I heard a bellowing roar reverberate through the castle. The sound made me go cold with fear.
"What was that?" I managed.
Michael's arm came around my waist. "It's okay."
"It didn't sound okay. What was it?"
His jaw was tight. "Your father."
My heart clenched. My father made that horrible noise? It sounded like a creature in such anguish that death would be a relief.
"Don't cry," Michael said as he stroked my tears away.
"How can I not cry when my father is in so much pain?"
He swallowed. "Come on. Let's see your aunt."
I listened for any more sounds from my father, but there was only silence. We continued on through the castle until we came to an open doorway. I peered inside to see my aunt standing behind a black, marble-footed basin that looked like a very shallow freestanding sink. She stared down into the water as if mesmerized by what she saw there.
"What is she doing?" I whispered to Michael.
Elizabeth raised her head and looked directly at me. Her eyes were demon red, but then faded quickly to a hazel that matched my own. She smiled warmly at me.
"This is my gazer," she said. "I can use it as a communication device as long as whoever I'm trying to contact also has one."
"Like a two-way videophone?"
Her smile widened. "Yes, I'm sure it's very much like that."
She moved away from the basin so I could see that she wore a red dress with long, draping sleeves and gold flowers embroidered at the edges. It was low cut and the material split at the waist to show a black skirt beneath. Her blonde hair was in one thick braid that draped over her left shoulder. She still wore the small blue bottle of perfume from her boyfriend around her neck on a thin gold chain.
"Nikki," she said. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again. I'm so glad Michael has brought you back to see me."
"I'm glad to see you, too."
She approached me to give me a hug and then leaned back to look at me. "Although I'm worried. This means you haven't drunk your potion yet?"
"That's right."
Her forehead furrowed. "What does this mean?"
"It means that I wanted to see you again. And I want to see my father before. . before it's too late." I glanced at Michael, who had slunk back into the shadows at the side of the room and seemed to be studying the floor. "I heard him a minute ago."
"He's gotten much worse, I'm afraid."
"Michael told me there are only hours left. Do you really think so?"
She reached out to squeeze my hand. "It must be terrible for you. To find your father after all this time and then to have him taken from you in such a tragic way."
My throat thickened. "It is terrible."
"I think it's good that you've returned. We must cherish the short time we'll have together. I'll take you to see him if you like."
"As soon as possible."
"Of course." She nodded. "Nikki. . did you happen to bring the potion with you or did you leave it at your home?"
"I have the bottle here." I unzipped my purse and pulled it out to show her. Then, instead of putting it back, I slid the chain over my head and let it drop to my chest.
"Did Desmond tell you that's all the potion there is?" she asked. "Such a small amount for such an important task. It's crucial that you keep it safe."
"He mentioned something like that." I traced my fingertip over the cool vial filled with red liquid, her words making me very nervous. All there is. "But can more be made if necessary?"
"Yes. It's possible, but difficult and time consuming."
She smiled. "It helps the potion makers to command a high price in return for their skills. Supply and demand."
"Can I ask you a hypothetical question that I've been wondering about?" I asked.
"Of course."
"Okay, so let's say somebody drinks a potion, but then something bad happens and they change their mind. Could it be reversed? Is there, like, another potion they could take to cancel out the effects?"
She looked at me with confusion. "Why would that be something you're concerned with?"
"I don't know." I crossed my arms, the whole situation making every muscle in my body tense. "I've been working out all sorts of ideas. I was thinking earlier, what if I drank the potion, waited long enough for you to become queen, and then, if there's a reversal potion, I could drink that so I could remember everything?" I stopped talking and chewed my bottom lip nervously.
"Oh, Nikki." She touched my face. "That is a very clever idea. Yes, the Underworld potion makers always create an anti-potion for everything. It's a byproduct of the potion itself and a very good fail-safe-after all, one can never be too careful when it comes to magical brews."
"It's like an antidote?"
"Yes. But I don't think it'll work," Elizabeth continued. "I'd love for you to keep your memories. I'd love to get to know you and have you visit me once I'm unable to leave the castle. But I'm worried it won't work as well as you think it will."
"Why not?" I asked. I'd already assumed that particular idea of mine might not work, but I was still disappointed it was getting shot down so quickly by my aunt.
"Along with your memories come the problems we had to begin with. The deadly instability of your Darkling status, for one. I've already told you of the poor creatures in the past who've died from harnessing their powers. And also, there is no guarantee that once you drink the anti-potion, the power of the kingdom won't then shift to you, when it realizes that you are again half demon. Your safety is my first concern."
I touched the vial at the end of my chain. "I appreciate that. But maybe I'm different. It's been a long time since the last Darkling."
"Perhaps. But it's too dangerous to take that risk," she said. "You really must drink the potion now."
"I need to see my father first."
She squeezed my hand. "I'll take you when I check in on him shortly. He's sent all of the servants away, now. He doesn't want anyone to see him as he is, but I'm sure he'll make an exception for you."
I swallowed hard, relieved that she didn't want to keep arguing with me about the potion or seeing my father in his current condition. "Thank you."
I wanted to tell her about turning Darkling and being okay, but I decided to listen to Michael. Not yet. She would be more worried than she already was.
I glanced over at her gazer. "Who were you talking to before I got here?"
"My boyfriend. Or rather"-she frowned-"I was trying to speak with him, but I couldn't seem to make contact."
"You mentioned him yesterday," I said. "Who is he?"
Maybe it was none of my business, but I was curious. My aunt was still a complete mystery to me. She was beau-tiful and kind and concerned for my wellbeing even though she hadn't known I existed until just the other day. She was willing to sacrifice her freedom to become queen here in this empty castle. It seemed like a huge sacrifice to me.
"He's one of the princes of the Underworld-the opposite side to where we are now. His name is Kieran." She smiled then. "He's wonderful, really. So very handsome. I would have loved for you to meet him."
That's where my father had said there were dragons. I still couldn't believe all of these other worlds existed alongside mine and I'd never had any idea.
"I lived there for several years until recently. I wanted to spend more time with Desmond so I returned here. I knew my brother was very lonely."
I thought of how isolated my father must have been over the years. "Was there ever a queen? Did my father ever fall in love with anyone else?"
She shook her head. "Desmond has been devoted to the Shadowlands and protecting the human and faery realms. I suggested that a queen could be found for him, but he refused." She sighed. "I'm afraid he never moved on after your mother."
"He thought she was dead. All of those years."
"He loved her very much." She glanced at her gazer.
"Like I love Kieran. I miss him already. I hope that he'll come to visit me very soon."
"So he'll be able to come here?" I asked. "I know my father said that other demons can't enter the Shadowlands."
"They can't," she said. "Not without the king's permission. Or with my permission soon, I suppose. I will make an exception for Kieran, of course."
"Of course."
"Do you have a boyfriend, Nikki?"
That was a question I didn't really know how to answer. A couple days ago I would have said it was Chris, and that I was so happy about it, but now everything had changed. Drastically.
I forced myself not to glance at Michael, who stood silently behind me, but I could feel him looking at me.
"Well, Princess? Are you going to answer her question?"
I was glad he didn't use that ability of his too much. It was very distracting.
What do you think 1 should tell her? I projected back to him telepathically.
"Whatever you wish."
I shifted my weight to my right bare foot. "There's somebody I'm interested in. . but it's kind of complicated."
Her lips stretched into a small grin. "Love is always complicated, Nikki. What is this somebody like?"
Tall, dark, totally hot, and standing right behind me, I thought. However, I didn't send that particular thought to Michael.
Instead, I shrugged. "He's really cute, even though he tries to hide it. He can be annoying and stubborn but that's just part of his charm. He's protective and sweet and an amazing kisser, and when I'm around him I don't want to be anywhere else."
She looked very impressed by my description. "He sounds perfect to me."
"The thing is," I continued, "I'm not totally sure how he feels about me. Sometimes I get the feeling that he wants me to forget him, like, maybe his life would be easier if I wasn't in it. And then other times I feel like he thinks he's not good enough for me because we're really different in a lot of ways. The guy is a serious mystery."
"Well, that's not perfect." Elizabeth took my hands in hers. "Nikki, dear, don't let anyone hold you back from getting what you want. Sometimes you have to trust your heart. Trust what that little voice inside is trying to tell you, even if it seems crazy."
I let out a shaky breath. "It's hard to do that."
"I know it is. But that's my philosophy, and I've held on to it, no matter what difficult choices I've had to make."
"That's great."
She smiled. "Love is the most important thing in the universe. Like how I love Kieran and how I love my brother. Desmond should have lived for many more years to rule the Shadowlands, but when he asked me to take over for him, I knew I'd never turn my back on such an important duty. Even if it means sacrificing many things. I will make sure I'm a very good queen-for my brother's sake."
My eyes welled with tears. "You'll make a great queen."
She stroked my arm. "We should go see your father now."
I nodded. "Okay."
She glanced at Michael. "Would you please go to Desmond's side and inform him that his daughter wishes to see him one last time?"
"Of course," Michael said.
"Will you be all right, Princess?"
Yeah, I'll be fine, I thought.
There was a hesitation. "I don't want you to forget me. I just wish there was another way this could work out." Our eyes met and held for a long moment, then he turned and left the room.
Chapter 16
After Michael left, Elizabeth looked at me with concern as my eyes filled up with tears again. I didn't think I'd cried so much in my entire life as I had over the last two days. "Oh, Nikki, my dear. So much stress at such a young age. Is it too much for you?"
"I'll be fine," I said shakily as I twisted my bracelet.
Elizabeth looked down at it. "That's very beautiful."
I looked down at it, too. "My father gave it to me. It's a dragon's tear. He told me it would help focus my Darkling powers."
"A dragon's tear? He told you that?" I nodded.
Her expression grew tense. "I'm sorry, Nikki. The pain he is feeling must be making him delusional. There are no dragons-they are only a myth." She looked thoughtful. "Our father used to tell us stories about dragons when we were young so perhaps that's what Desmond is remember' ing. It's a lovely bracelet, but that's all it is."
I studied the delicate chain and teardrop crystal and felt a stab of disappointment. "Really?"
"I'm afraid so." She walked to the entrance of the room. "Now I must go get some fresh water for Desmond. It's all he's been able to consume for days. No wonder he's so weak." She shook her head sadly. "I'll return to bring you to his room. Please wait here for me."
She left and I was all alone. I crossed my arms and tried to relax but found that it was impossible. So instead I began to pace back and forth across the cool stone floor.
I couldn't believe that nothing could be done for my father. This was the best he could ask for? Being stuck in this dreary castle as the last hours of his life ticked by? What about doctors? Or hospitals? But I supposed those were out of the question anyway, since he couldn't leave. I still couldn't fathom being trapped inside this place for all those years. Alone. At least he had Elizabeth to keep him company in these dark days.
I heard something then.
"Elizabeth?" an unfamiliar voice said. I looked around the room but there was no one there.
I heard it again. A deep voice calling out for my aunt. I walked toward the gazer and looked down at the shallow black water. I gasped when I saw a face looking up at me. The image of a man appeared on the surface of the water. It rippled when I clutched the sides of the basin.
He raised an eyebrow. "You're not Elizabeth."
I swallowed hard. "No."
"Who are you?"
"I'm… I'm Nikki."
Both of his dark eyebrows went up at that. "Ah, Princess Nikki. I've heard a great deal about you. It's a pleasure to meet you, even if it's not in person. My name is Kieran."
It was Elizabeth's boyfriend-the demon prince from the Underworld, though he was definitely in human form. He looked a lot like the male model on the front of my mom's vampire romance book-dark hair, cool blue eyes, and strongly handsome features. He was so acutely good-looking that it seemed vaguely artificial, as if he were made of plastic-his eyes were so ice-blue that they gave me an immediate chill. His too-full lips curled to one side as he gazed up at me.
I looked toward the entrance of the room. "Elizabeth just left. But she was waiting for your… uh… your call. I'll go get her."
"No, Nikki. It's fine. I will speak with h
er later. How is your father?"
I swallowed. "Not well."
"But he still lives?"
I nodded.
"Elizabeth tells me that you were to drink a potion that the king provided to you. I will assume that you haven't yet."
I touched the bottle. "No, I haven't." "Do you want to be queen of the Shadowlands?" he asked.
I shook my head. "Not if I can help it." "Then you have to drink it."
There was that phrase again. Have to. Even somebody I didn't know was telling me what to do.
I let out a shaky sigh. "I wanted to see my father again before I do anything."
Something flashed behind his eyes and it wasn't entirely pleasant. "You do realize that you're putting Elizabeth's position as the next queen at risk by delaying."
"Look," I said, sharper than I meant to, "this isn't exactly easy for me, you know. And it's not easy for Elizabeth, either. It's not like she even wants to be queen."
His eyes widened a fraction. "Of course she does. It's all she speaks of and your actions-or rather inactions- are ruining everything for her."
That was a very strange thing for him to say. I was ruining everything? "She's accepted it, of course. It's not like she has much of a choice, does she?"
"No, of course. You're right. Please forgive me for being rude. The choice is yours alone, of course." The edge of annoyance in his expression disappeared and his gaze slowly moved over my face and down my neck to the vial on the chain. "If by chance you do end up becoming queen, I want you to know that you can contact me anytime. For any reason at all. I would enjoy the chance to get to know a lovely girl like yourself on a much more personal level. I'm sure we could become very close friends."
The way he said it made me feel extremely uncomfortable. This was the man my aunt was head over heels in love with? He was a major sleaze. Really good-looking, but a jerk. I knew I'd just met him, but first impressions were enough to go by.
Besides, I'd already dealt with a good-looking jerk that evening-Chris-so I was a little more wary of this sort of thing now. I trusted my instincts. And my instincts told me Kieran wasn't a nice guy.
